The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has urged President-elect Bola Tinubu to appoint a member of the House of Representatives, James Faleke, as his Chief of Staff in his incoming administration.
AYCF disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, signed by its National President, Yerima Shettima.
AYCF’s statement reads in part: “Hon James Faleke is a very loyal Tinubu supporter and associate who has proven to be reliable as ambassador to the President-elect any day.
“Nigeria has had serious challenges caused by the communication gap between the President, ministers and even state governors. This is an opportunity for the President-elect to get someone with good skills in managing the relationship between him, officials of government and the rest of Nigerians.
“We urge President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make sure he makes an informed choice of his Chief of Staff with loyal, proactive progressive and hale and hearty parliamentarian like Hon James Faleke.”
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has rejected the purported interim government plot.
The student body also frowned at any move intended to truncate the nation’s democratic process. It warned against any bid to stop the President-Elect’s inauguration.
A statement by its Vice President (External Affairs) Akinteye Babatunde Afeez said: “Following the recent reports coming from the quarters of the Nigerian DSS that there are frantic efforts and devilish plots by some scrupulous elements in the Nigerian political space to truncate the Nigerian political system by stopping the inauguration of Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president-elect with an illegal installation of an interim government; the Nigerian Students considers this as a SHAM and we say in all factual senses that it cannot work.
“It is laughable in all ramifications that an election was organized by INEC and the result of the presidential election produced a PRESIDENT-ELECT and this winner was announced by the same body – INEC that conducted the election then a group of sycophants would come together to plan to shortchange the fragile peace of the nation for their selfish interests.
“This will be totally unacceptable by all and sundry. The entire Nigerian students would go against this with every power within and without. Gone is the era of June 12, 1993 when Nigeria was still in a dark age and most Nigerians didn’t know their rights and privileges as citizens.
“Gone is such an era of militarization and affront impunity, where someone or a group of few people can just come up with plans and actualize them against the will of the people. Gone is the era where the Nigerian Students and youth would sit and watch some people decide for us to our detriment as citizens and as a nation. We are all wiser now. This will not work.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that NANS advised candidates who are not satisfied with the outcome of the presidential election to seek redress in the court of law.
We will stand firm against every form of oppression and intimidation from any quarters
“As a matter of urgency, I hereby call upon the Nigerian Students, the Nigerian youth and the entire citizens of Nigeria to be ready to resist every form of oppression or manipulation that would send Nigeria backwards in the comity of nations and any installation that would tamper with the peace and tranquility that Nigeria is enjoying in recent times after the heat of the just concluded election.
“In the capacity of the leadership of the Nigerian Students, I want to emphatically say that the Nigerian Students shall fight back venomously any form of unnecessary interim government installation or every plot to stop the inauguration of the president-elect come May 29, 2023.
“We will let these selfish and egocentric leaders know that their times are gone and that we are in the era of Nigerians, most especially Nigerian Students taking their destinies in their hands and holding their stakes firmly in the way their country is run and directed.
“We will stand firm against every form of oppression and intimidation from any quarters and make sure that the right things are done at every point in time in our dear nation, Nigeria.
“I strongly advise that any candidate or any political party who is not satisfied with the outcome of the presidential election should seek redress in the court of law and desist from inciting violence of any form in any way so that Nigeria can move forward.”
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has urged the incoming administration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, to review the current minimum wage of N30,000 currently obtainable in Nigeria.
Ngige, who was a member of the committee that negotiated the present minimum wage in 2019 from N18,000 to N30,000, noted that the country’s minimum wage should be reviewed every five years to fit current standard of living.
The minister, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, further mentioned that he would include in his handover notes that the discussion surrounding minimum wage should start immediately the new government is sworn-in in May 2023, ahead of it’s implementation, which he said should be in May 2024.
I’m envisaging that as from May 2023, the government will impanel the new minimum wage review committee for the nation
He said the discussions would involve the public sector, private sector and state governments, and according to the last bill passed should start a year before it officially takes effect.
He said, “It is a tripartite negotiation involving public sector, private sector and state governments. We entrenched in that bill or law that minimum wage will now have an automaticity of review every five years.
“So, from 2019 when it came into effect to 2024 will be five years but we also made a recommendation in our document which we submitted that the discussion, the negotiation should start one year from May 2024 when it supposed to kick-start.
“So, I’m envisaging that as from May 2023, the government will impanel the new minimum wage review committee for the nation.
“In my handover note which I am going to hand over to the transition committee and the next government, I am recommending that the discussions start anytime from May 2023.”
Ngige also noted that the Federal Government has approved a pay rise for civil servants which would take effect from January 1, 2023, adding that the provision is already included in the 2023 budget.
The minister said the salary increment became important in view of the current economic reality of the country, however adding that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), is yet to approve the percentage used for the increment.
He said, “In the Presidential Committee on Salaries, we have done something for the civil servants for those who are on Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure and some corporations, MDAs that are on that CONPSS. CONPSS is the salary scale for civil servants.
“We put a percentage for the President to approve, we have approved it at our own committee level. We said it should take effect from January 1, 2023.”
Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige
While noting that the economic reality of the country had led to the decision of salary increment for civil servants, Ngige however, lauded the naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, which he said had achieved some “sound benefits.”
Although, he categorically stated that the policy was not “smooth in its implementation,” he said it had greatly reduced insecurity as bandits and kidnappers are currently on “holiday” as a result of the cash crunch, adding that the policy helped in curbing vote-buying during the just-concluded elections across the country.
“I have prepared for this moment all my life, I will not fail,” these were the words of the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday.
He disclosed that he cannot afford to squander his mandate as the nation’s next president because it was a dream that he spent his life perfecting.
Tinubu’s sober reflection, titled “My 71st Birthday Message to Nigerians”, raised a lot of hope as he vowed not to disappoint Nigerians when it matters most.
The development is coming one week after his media officer, Tunde Rahman, announced that the president-elect had departed the country for a vacation in Paris, France capital.
Rahman noted that after a short rest in Europe, he may stay back to observe Ramadan fast before heading for Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
Until his media aide cleared the air, blogs and social media platforms have been awash with news that the former governor of Lagos State was rushed abroad for medical attention.
However, in his first birthday message to Nigerians as president-elect, Tinubu reiterated that his swearing-in ceremony in two months would signify his preparation for the task ahead.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that while expressing gratitude to God for sparing his life, the former governor stated that the holy month of Ramadan couldn’t have come at a better, adding that he cherished it more than the celebration of individual achievements.
He said, “Dear Nigerians, I thank all of you who have expressed your goodwill towards me on the occasion of my 71st birthday. I received your kind words with great pleasure and was profoundly touched by the depth of your care and support. Above all, I thank God Almighty for the life He has given me, for all the opportunities and doors He has opened to me along the way.
“This year, in particular, I see this day as one of deep reflection. The spiritual meaning and significance of the holy month of Ramadan matter to me much more than the celebration of any individual milestone. Yet, this is my first birthday as the President-elect. A few weeks back, Nigerians gave me the honour of a lifetime. In exactly two months, on the 29th of May my term in office will begin. It is a rare privilege indeed, and one that I do not take lightly and shall not squander.
“With such a privilege already granted to me, I will not go so far as to suggest I am due any birthday presents this year. I have already been given the greatest gift. A chance to lead and fulfil destiny. An opportunity to champion your aspirations and to bring about the Nigeria of your dreams.
“I will, instead, use this day as an opportunity to reiterate my commitment to the great and important task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the hope of the Nigerian people. I campaigned hard and made important promises. Those promises were not mere words; professed glibly or cynically to win support.
“They represent a bond that binds me to the task of creating a better Nigeria for the benefit of every Nigerian, whether you voted for me or not.
“I have prepared for this moment all my life, I will not fail. Henceforth, may growth, hope, peace and compassion stand proudly and ring loudly throughout the land. May we find the right way and the good courage to turn our beloved country into a strong, just and prosperous home for all. May Almighty God bless all Nigerians.”
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has congratulated President-elect Bola Tinubu on his 71st birthday, describing it as a unique one.
The vice president conveyed his felicitations in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday in Abuja.
He prayed God to grant the president-elect more wisdom and strength in the years to come.
“Dolly and I rejoice with you, the family, friends and associates on this occasion of your 71st birthday.
All we can offer you in this solemn period is a prayer; that the Lord will help you in this assignment and give you good health, strength and wisdom to serve our people and our nation excellently
“We thank the Almighty God for his grace and enablement upon your life that has made possible your many years of service and contributions to Lagos State, our nation and our great party.
“This occasion of your 71st birthday is unique, as it occurs as you prepare to take on your most significant assignment yet as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“All we can offer you in this solemn period is a prayer; that the Lord will help you in this assignment and give you good health, strength and wisdom to serve our people and our nation excellently.
“Happy Birthday! God bless you,” he said.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the 71-year-old (Tinubu) won the presidency of Africa’s most populous nation with 8.8 million votes, according to final election results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Despite lingering questions about his health and past corruption allegations, the two-time Lagos governor will succeed Buhari, a former army general he brags of helping put into power.
His ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) faces accusations of electoral fraud in polls, that took place on February 25, from its two main opponents, Labour Party (LP) and Peoples democratic Party (PDP). However, the electoral officials and the APC dismissed those claims.
Often referred to by the chieftain’s title of “Jagaban”, Tinubu has spent years building his Lagos power base into a nationwide network of contacts.
Former Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Chief Bode George has hinted on the possibility of relocating to any country of his choice following the promise he made prior to the presidential election when he said should Tinubu emerge winner he would relocate.
Tinubu has since been declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Chief George is not relenting on going back on his stance.
The elder statesman made some revelations while featuring on political programme on Channels TV Monday evening and monitored by TheNewsGuru.com Lagos correspondent.
Speaking with Channels after the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) declared Tinubu President-elect, the former PDP chairman reiterated his stance, saying it is his inalienable right to live anywhere in the world.
“I didn’t hide my feelings: I said if this fellow (Tinubu) becomes the President, I will lose my interest politically.
“I have the right as a Nigerian to live anywhere I want. And I am saying it publicly that I am ready to retire from partisan politics. This is my own personal conviction that they don’t have the capacity, the ability to run this nation.”
Fresh protests, on Thursday, rocked the nation’s capital, Abuja, over the just concluded elections, with protesters kicking against the May 29 inauguration of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and instead demanding the invocation of an Interim National Government, ING.
They asked Presidential Muhammadu Buhari to put the ING in place before he leaves office on May 29.
The angry Nigerians, who protested on the platform of the National Youth League for the Defence of Democracy, NYLDD, also demanded the immediate sack and arrest of the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu by the Department Security Services, DSS.
Armed with various placards with different inscriptions, they also asked several foreign embassies in Nigeria to immediately revoke the visas of 15 INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners RECs.
The RECs they want to be sanctioned are those of Lagos, Rivers, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Jigawa, Kano and Imo. Others are Ebonyi, Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Cross River, Katsina and Edo States.
Addressing journalists at the Unity Fountain, where the protest started, one of the leaders of the group, Dr Moses Paul, said the interim government is expected to appoint a new INEC chairman and conduct a fresh election that will produce a befitting President for Nigeria.
He said; “We are citizens of Nigeria, lovers of Nigeria, standing on the path of our constitution and citizens’ rights.
“We are here particularly to address the greatest crime that has happened in the history of the world and in Nigeria.
“People were burnt in Kano, people were shot in Rivers, and we have seen the greatest inhumanity happen in Lagos state in the course of this election.
“Two demands we are making; we are asking the President of this country to immediately arrest and prosecute the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who has committed the greatest fraud in the history of humanity.
“We need him arrested and prosecuted.
“Our number two demand is that we are asking that an interim government be put in place. We are saying that, because we do not want President Muhammadu Buhari to continue, his tenure is ending, so as a father he should put in place an interim government so that the interim government will now appoint another INEC chairman who will conduct a free and credible election and produce a befitting President for our country.”
When asked to provide other options if the two demands were not met, one of the co-conveners, Anngu Orngu, said they are harmless Nigerians “but we will use every other civil and lawful means to make sure that our demands are met”.
“We are here as frustrated Nigerians and the fundamental rights of Nigerians have been trampled upon by Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC and we are here calling for his immediate resignation.
“We have also requested that DSS should arrest him, and he should be prosecuted by the EFCC.
“We have been to the US Embassy, we have been to the British Council in Nigeria, and we have also submitted a letter to the French Embassy, calling on them to advise the Nigerian government that the Nigerian people are not happy.
“We the young people of this country are not happy over what is happening in our country. We may be peaceful now but when you push even a goat to the wall, the goat may bite,” he added.
In one of the letters made available to journalists and addressed to the to the United States Embassy, the protesters called for sanctions against the INEC Chairman.
Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has explained that the presidential result declaring the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Bola Tinubu as president-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) cannot stand.
The Yoruba leader publicly declared support for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, on the ground that the people of the South East should be allowed to have a shot at the presidency for equity and justice to reign supreme.
The INEC declared Bola Tinubu winner of the February 25th, 2023 presidential election amidst an alleged wide range of irregularities across the country majorly due to the inability of the electoral umpire to keep its promise of deploying technology in the election.
While the BVAS failed in many states, some Governors were said to have hijacked the election and suppressed the will of the people, especially in Rivers State and Lagos State.
The elder statesman made his views known while making an appearance today (Friday) on a political programme on Arise TV. He claimed that INEC’s decision on Saturday’s polls, as regarding the presidential election result, will not stand.
He said “I listened to the Chairman of INEC when Dino Melaye told him to suspend, not cancel the collation, citing a lot of irregularities so that he can correct them. He said ‘no I promise, if you let me complete this exercise, I’ll review it.
“As for the Chairman, those of us who know him know that he has not been the man that he should be. He’s a great disappointment. This is not the first time he would be disappointing Lagos people. In 2019, he deceived us and now he’s done it again thinking that Nigerian people are fools.
“And I said it before in this election nobody can Babangida us. It was a daylight robbery. The whole country supported you to amend the electoral law to ensure it is is transmitted by electoral law and at the time of the election you came back to fight us. What a shame. I’m only sorry for the country.
“I’m only sorry for the youths. But I warned you before, this government is a disaster… It’s a disaster that God will help us get rid of. There’s no President-Elect at all. It’s just a sham that will be removed in due course. We’re all living witnesses to it. Why won’t we follow the law provided for the election?”
Arrangement has been made for Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Tinubu, to move to the Defence Guest House in Maitama District of Abuja.
The Lagos born politician will be operating from the Maitama house pending the presidential swearing -in on May 29th, 2023.
“The President-elect will be moving into Defence House, in Maitama, FCT, where he will spend the next couple of months, and from where he will move into the Presidential Villa,” a tweet by the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council read on Thursday.
The notice came barely 24 hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential elections.
From the Defence House, Mr Tinubu will receive briefings and hold key meetings as President-elect.
The Spokesperson of the APC PCC, Festus Keyamo, told pressmen he could not confirm the actual time the President-elect will move into his new abode.
However, this is not a new development as the current President, Muhammadu Buhari also lodged at the same location months before his inauguration on May 29, 2015.
Afterward, he moved into his official residence at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Tinubu polled 8,794,726, to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party’s Atiku Abubakar, who scored 6,984,520 votes, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi who polled 6,101,533 to finish third.
Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party garnered 1,496,687 votes to emerge fourth.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has urged President-elect Bola Tinubu to assemble a team made up of intellectuals and professionals to come up with an economic recovery blueprint for Nigeria.
Ooni made the call in a congratulatory message to President-elect Bola Tinubu, signed by Otunba Moses Olafare, the Director, Media, and Public Affairs in the palace in Ile-Ife,
”You must immediately assemble a transition team of cerebral men and women to come up with an economic recovery blueprint upon your inauguration on May 29.
”You must move into action in a way that will further assure Nigerians of the ‘Renewed Hope.
“As a tested and trusted cerebral team leader that you are, you must in a couple days present your transition team of cerebral men and women to give us an economic recovery blueprint.
“Nigerians have voted for you because of your promise of a Renewed Hope and you must swiftly from your first day in office set the ball rolling in a manner that will further assure Nigerians of the ‘Renewed Hope”, the Ooni said.
The royal father described Tinubu as a man of destiny, a game changer and a progressive workaholic who does not only merit the victory.
“You have adequately proven capacity to lead the country to an enviable position in the global committee of nations.
”I congratulate you and your amiable wife on behalf of the Oduduwa race worldwide as you have victoriously emerged as the president-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“You are indeed a man of destiny, you are a game changer and you are a progressive workaholic who has worked assiduously with the right strategy and tactics justifying the merit of your recorded victory,” Ooni said.
